Lake Tahoe Water Sports

Water sports on Lake Tahoe are an integral part of summer life on the lake. There are some 39 trillion gallons of clean, clear water in Lake Tahoe—so you won’t be short of water to play in.

Boating is a popular activity and virtually every visitor will have a ride on some kind of boat at some point in their vacation. Whether you prefer the large paddle steamers such as the Tahoe Queen which runs regular tours across the lake—or a pontoon to sail between resorts and lakeside restaurants, you will be spoilt for choice.

Exciting water sports abound throughout the summer. If it takes place on or in the water, you can be sure it is on offer at Lake Tahoe. From jet skiing to parasailing, scuba diving to fishing, the crisp alpine water is just an extension of Lake Tahoe’s playground.

While swimming in the lake is great in summer, during the winter months—or even early or late in the summer season, the water can be a little chilly for all but the hardiest of individuals. Swimming is still available, however, at the Public Recreation Centre Pool, found on South Lake Tahoe. There are also pools at several of the resorts.

Kayaking

Taking a kayak tour across Lake Tahoe is fun way to explore the shoreline and scenery. Sea kayaks cut through the water like a knife through hot butter and you can glide along almost effortlessly. Kayaking is a lovely relaxing way of sailing on Lake Tahoe. You can paddle along the shoreline, enjoying the sunshine and spectacular scenery. Should you decide to take a tour the guides will give you instruction on how to operate your kayak first.

Kayak tours of Emerald Bay are very popular and if you are very lucky, you might have the opportunity to eat your lunch on Fannette Island, before heading out to Vikingsholm Castle. All kinds of wildlife including geese, bear, ducks, deer, and osprey, can be glimpsed in the area, so keep a close look out. Kayaks can be rented for a half day, or even moonlight tours for a completely different perspective on Lake Tahoe.

Prices for a single occupancy kayak rental will vary between rental outlets, but you can expect to pay $20 for an hour, $60 for half day, and $80 for a full day. Double occupancy kayaks are also available for rental.

Canoes & Pedal Boats

For another relaxing way to enjoy the water of Lake Tahoe, canoes are an alternative option. Like kayaking, canoes allow you to float along for the minimal amount of effort. Gently drift along the shoreline, taking in the scenery and admiring the snow tipped mountains high above the lake.

Pedal boats are great fun for the kids. If you feel like a rest, let them do all the work while you close your eyes and have a snooze in the sun. They will be so busy enjoying the peddling that they will never realize you are not actually assisting them!

Prices will vary, but you can expect to pay around $22 for an hour, $66 for half day, and $88 for a full day rental.

 

Windsurfing

There are several windsurfing instruction centers on Lake Tahoe. The light morning winds that flutter across the lake are perfect for beginners to perfect their balance and technique. By the time the southwest thermal winds pick up during the afternoon, students will hopefully have fine tuned their skills sufficiently to be able to stay on their boards.

For those seeking instruction, equipment will be provided as part of the lesson. For those who are experienced, equipment is available to hire. So why not glide across Lake Tahoe and enjoy a taste of the exciting sport of wind surfing.

 

Water Skiing

What could be more exhilarating than speeding across Lake Tahoe on skis, wakeboards, slaloms, or knee boards! It is certainly one way of cooling off in the warm water on a hot day.

There are several centers on Lake Tahoe offering water skiing instruction, or simply hiring out the equipment for those who need no instruction. Instruction is available from beginner to advanced level. Wetsuits and all top of the range equipment is provided as part of lessons and the boats can carry up to 5 students and observers, making this an ideal family day out. You can arrange pick-up at all shores on the lake. Some schools specialize in teaching children, so if your kids are fearless and love the water, send them along for a fun day out! Water skiing is available from July 1st to Labor Day weekend.

And finally, Lake Tahoe has a number of gorgeous lakeside beaches where you can watch other, more energetic people enjoy the water sports while you enjoy the warm sunshine and work on your tan.